The SME full form is small and medium-sized firms (SMEs), frequently referred to as the economy's backbone. It accounts for a significant portion of India's economic strength, and it benefits rural and underdeveloped communities by bringing employment to these places. However, due to a lack of local demand knowledge and other requirements, the large firm cannot establish a presence in the market.
Did you know? MSME has made the Prime Minister of India's flagship initiative more accessible. It is an essential component in bringing this vision to life.
What is SME?
Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises is the full name of the term (SME). So, what is the meaning of SME? As each country defines, this category comprises businesses with a certain level of assets, staff, capital, and other resources. The country's legal system classifies companies according to the size and extent of their different activities. These small and medium-sized firms provide a diverse range of services (SMEs).
Types & Classification of SMEs
When looking for SMEs and their types, note that Small and Medium Enterprises are classified based on various criteria. Investment in a business's sector of operation affects whether it is classified as a small or medium-sized enterprise under Section 7 of the 2006 Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises Creation Act. Based on two factors:
The capital expenditure on plant and equipment The income generated by the firm
Additionally, it is worth noting that there are distinct MSME
What is the SME market?
In India, the BSE and NSE provide an SME platform for the listing and trading of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
They are classified based on the amount of money spent in each industry.
Particularly in the context of industrial enterprises
Micro enterprises are those that spend less than ₹25 lakhs. To be considered successful, investment in equipment and plant must exceed ₹25 lakhsbut not ₹5 crores. MSMEs are businesses that earn greater than or higher than ₹5 croresin equipment and plant revenue but less than ₹10 croresin overall revenue.
Businesses focusing on delivering services are service-oriented
Micro-businesses should not be more than or higher than ₹10 lakhsin capital expenditure on tools and equipment. Small businesses have equipment and tools costing more than ₹10 lakhsbut shy of ₹2 crores. Medium-sized firms invest in tools and equipment. This investment is worth more than ₹2 croresbut not exceeding ₹5 crores.
The Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSMEs) amended the MSME categorisation on June 1, 2020, as part of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, which took effect that day. The amendment incorporated a composite criterion for capital expenditure on equipment and machinery and yearly revenue generated by businesses.
Significance of SMEs in India
Around 40% of India's population, or more than 80 million people, are engaged in low-skilled employment by SMEs. SME is short for small and medium enterprises. These SMEs account for 45% of output in Indian industries, accounting for 40% of its exports (SMEs). Around half of all enterprises worldwide are small and medium-sized (SMEs), with China having the largest.
The contribution of small and medium-sized companies to India's economy has been enormous (SMEs). In 2011, small and medium-sized firms accounted for 17% of the country's GDP (SMEs). According to an ICC, by 2012, the small and medium-sized firms or companies would account for 22% of GDP.
Contribution of SMEs to India’s Economy
Generates a Significant Amount of Employment
Additionally, it gives a diverse variety of employment opportunities for the jobless. In India, small and medium-sized companies (SMEs) have benefited the country's young.
Steadying the Economy In Terms of Growth and Leverage
India's economy is significantly reliant on exports, which account for 8% of GDP. Given the importance of MSME to manufacturing, exports, and jobs, it seems that other sectors would benefit from their presence. As seen by automotive manufacturers ' acquisition of clutches and brakes, MNCs progressively purchase semi-finished and additional items from small businesses.
The Main Objective of the Make in India Project
The government should enhance lending to small and medium-sized firms (SMEs) in the near future for the project.
Sustaining Human Resources at a Low Cost
Finding a qualified human resource management professional manager may be a significant impediment. Small and medium-sized firms (SMEs) have lower labour needs and do not require highly qualified personnel. As a result, the owner incurs minimal indirect expenditures.
MSME Ministry’s Prioritisation of Inclusive Development
On the other side, India's economic prosperity is harmed by the prevalence of poverty. Hence, a crucial challenge for the Ministry of MSME is that it involves marginalised community people.
Management Structure of MSMEs
The owner of an MSME may begin with few resources available. These are based on the consequence, decision-making that becomes efficient. Larger organisations with more complicated organisational structures need the deployment of experts to perform each departmental function. When it comes to managing the operations of a small business, there is no need to hire an outside professional. The proprietor is self-sufficient, and as a result, it may operate autonomously.
Need for Accounting Software for SMEs
Accounting software is required for accounts payable and receivable administration, tax computations, and project management. In addition, you'll be able to utilise it to manage your business’s money and produce financial reports for analysis and more efficient client tracking.
Accounting software may assist small company owners in several ways, including handling receivables and payables, getting insight into their profitability, and preparing for tax season more effectively. When it comes to accounting software, a small firm can operate well with the software that came with it without making significant changes. Enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions are necessary when a business's complexity increases, necessitating a customised solution.
Accounting software can benefit even the smallest businesses in various ways, regardless of how small or inexperienced their accounting team is. If you own a company, you must be meticulous while submitting documents.
Reasons to Consider Acquiring Accounting Software
Supervision makes it possible to plan, anticipate future problems, identify strengths, and develop a firm's long-term survival. With this information, you can create reliable investments, get loans, and forecast your tax obligations for the following year.
The following are seven reasons why small company owners value accounting software:
Bank and credit card accounts Invoicing The term "accounts receivable" refers to money owing by third parties to a firm. The term "accounts receivable" relates to the commercial process of collecting money from customers. Payment collecting over the internet Everyone has access Time-consuming: Financial statement preparation is time-consuming.
On the other hand, small and medium-sized firms are not limited by these restrictions. On the contrary, villages and small towns are ideal for small businesses due to their cheap investment costs, easy access to small business funding, and sometimes reduced competency requirements. Moreover, because there are more small businesses, people's living standards grow.
Conclusion
There have been several potentials for such economic trends to emerge in India's industrial landscape. Businesses of all shapes and sizes are sprouting up around the nation, which helps us evaluate the economic impact of business-friendly policies. SME in business refers to small and medium-sized enterprises. This sector's unique needs and expectations may be more readily satisfied by developing a national database of similar companies, which would make it simpler to provide loans customised to their specific needs without fear of cash leaking out.


If there’s one thing today’s businesses can count on, it’s uncertainty. From supply chain and climate instability to a global health crisis and talent shortage, the priorities you focus on now will define how you handle what comes next.
For future-ready businesses this represents an opportunity to reimagine foundational elements—technology, talent, ESG—to stay ahead of emerging expectations and the competition. Perpetually.
Find out how business leaders like you are preparing for tomorrow’s challenges in Ready for Anything: What It Means to Be a Modern Business, which includes our perspectives on research conducted by Economist Impact and supported by Cognizant.
Restructure core elements of your business to be self-supporting and interconnected across technology, talent and ESG.
Operations is experiencing an identity shift from back-office management of routine tasks to a strategic source of innovation and competitive advantage. Businesses have discovered that the only way to embrace the new is to ensure that the processes are built for simplicity, elegance, and ingenuity.
The drivers of transformation today—IoT, cloud and AI—are rapidly becoming table stakes, making room for emerging technologies like blockchain, quantum computing and robotics to uncover new possibilities. But a value challenge looms as businesses struggle to realize returns from new technology investments.
While many see a shrinking labor pool as the main issue facing talent management, the reality is that companies are falling short in preparing people for the future of work. Explore how focusing on technology without fully investing in the people behind it creates barriers to future readiness.
90% of decision makers agree you can’t be a modern business without a cohesive ESG strategy. But there’s a huge disconnect between actual plans and real action—a gap that must close as customers, employees, investors and regulators increasingly scrutinize ESG progress and begin holding companies more accountable.


My school is a specialized center school for students diagnosed with an emotional disturbance. All students are considered Tier 3 students, which requires the most restrictive environment. Students are placed at our school due to behaviors that prevent them from being successful in the district’s comprehensive schools. These behaviors include verbal and physical aggression, the lack of impulse control, and significant antisocial behavior.
Many of our students have been pushed out of multiple schools, including Approved Private Schools, as the consequences for maladaptive behaviors do not positively alter their behavior. Our students have complex needs and our building is unsafe at times.
They need alternative ways of learning academically and emotionally.
My Project
Breathe for Change is a wellness training program created by educators for educators. Upon graduation, I will become certified to lead social-emotional learning and trauma informed programs at my school and at other places in need. I can lead yoga sessions for students and staff, as well as lead wellness experiences for other educators in my district. Additionally, I will earn a nationally recognized RYT-200 yoga teacher certification. This training enhances the well-being of educators, students, and greater school communities by training educators in meaningful areas of meditation, philosophy, anatomy, social-emotional strategy, and yoga practice.
My students are severely at-risk and this training will provide me with more tools and strategies to empower their well-being.
Learning wellness tools like mindfulness and yoga empower students to love, take care of, and advocate for themselves. These tools help our students cope with the trauma that accompanies their adverse lives.
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mrs. Stanziano and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
DonorsChoose makes it easy for anyone to help a classroom in need. Public school teachers from every corner of America create classroom project requests, and you can give any amount to the project that inspires you.


A Gift of Belief: Philanthropy and the Forging of PittsburghEdited by Kathleen W. Buechel
University of Pittsburgh Press, 2021
384 pages
Hardcover, $40
Reviewed by Betty Arenth, former senior vice president of the Heinz History Center
Few scholars’ lives achieve the nexus of theory and practice as perfectly as Kathy Beuchel who served as the president of the Alcoa Foundation, currently leads the Benter Foundation in Pittsburgh, and is a senior lecturer at the University of Pittsburgh while directing the Philanthropy Forum at GSPIA and the Pittsburgh Philanthropy Project. Ms. Beuchel’s vast experience and broad talents combine as she crafts a distinguished team of authors and guides the reader on a fascinating, well-organized journey of discovery.
In
A Gift of Belief, Ms. Buechel offers fresh insights into Pittsburgh history through the lens of philanthropic trends, organizations, and changing practices. Importantly, this publication provides tantalizing explorations of the often-unheralded works of women, religious groups, and African Americans in early American philanthropy. The editor focuses on the transformation of organized philanthropy starting around 1889, yet she clearly yearns for continued and deeper examinations of these overlooked groups as well as the myriad stories of Pittsburgh’s neighbor-helping-neighbor.
The book is generally organized into four historic periods as Ms. Buechel blends the contributions of 12 talented authors who immerse the reader into the “breadth, diversity, and development in organized philanthropy.” Clearly their goal is to provide the reader with a view of what “made these donors tick” while exploring their beliefs in promoting the public good.
Captivating snapshots of the evolution of philanthropy as grown on Pittsburgh soil range from the expected look at the traditional captains of industry (Carnegie, Frick, Mellon, Heinz), to a portrayal of the move from sectarian, faith-based efforts to “aid the needy,” to the birth of “coordinated, scientific charity” through federated, communitywide campaigns like the United Way. They cover little-known territory about the unique roles (yes, plural) of women and the “counternarrative” and resourcefulness of the African American community.
After a careful description of the purpose, tools, and practices of scientific philanthropy undertaken during the first half of the 20th century, the publication moves to an examination of the “post-WWII philanthropy playbook.” As the New Deal’s governmental safety net “altered the roles private philanthropy would play,” the authors’ pick up the story by weaving the remarkable tales from Pittsburgh’s Renaissance and creation of the Cultural District to the development of riverfront public accessibility amid the maturation of Pittsburgh’s major private foundations.
The book’s final section takes the reader from 1990 to the present day, a period described as one of “Entrepreneurism and Collective Action.” This section dives into the public policy goals of private foundations at the dawn of the 21st century and the emergence of significant “new voices” active in the region’s ongoing socio-economic transformation including efforts to reshape the traditional practices of Pittsburgh’s major philanthropic players.
A Gift of Belief lives up to its billing as a refreshing study in the forging of Pittsburgh through the lens of ever-changing philanthropic theory, practices, and players. Its rich stories make clear that “philanthropy begins with belief in values, intentions, and worldviews.” This compelling narrative is indeed a welcome contribution to the study of Pittsburgh’s history and a valuable aid to meeting the challenges ahead.


The Brae Bravo platform, a part of the Brae Area oil field in the UK North Sea, is being decommissioned. It is operated by Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA), a government-controlled energy group based in the UAE.
The platform was previously operated by Marathon Oil UK, a subsidiary of American exploration and production company Marathon Oil. British oil and gas firm RockRose Energy acquired the UK business of Marathon in 2019 and had to transfer the operatorship of the platform to TAQA after joint venture (JV) partners JX Nippon and Spirit Energy initiated legal action against RockRose over its financial stability.
More than 500 offshore works are expected to be involved during the peak phase of the North Sea decommissioning project.
Brae Bravo decommissioning background
The decommissioning of the Brae Bravo topsides and flare jacket was approved by the Offshore Petroleum Regulator for Environment & Decommissioning (OPRED) in August 2018.
Before the start of the major decommissioning works, cleaning and make safe works on the platform were completed in 2019, following which the platform was down-manned and awarded the normally unattended installation (NUI) status.
Brae Bravo platform location and details
The Brae Bravo platform is located in a water depth of 99m in the North Brae area within block 16/07a in the UK section of the North Sea, approximately 269km north-east of Aberdeen, Scotland.
The Brae Bravo platform came on stream in April 1988 and the production from the platform ceased in early-2019. It comprises a 22,000t jacket and topsides with a combined weight of 36,000t. The platform has a steel jacket/sub-structure and its flare comprises a second steel jacket/sub-structure, flare tower, and a steel connecting bridge to the platform.
The topside modules include drilling and production facilities as well as utilities placed in three tiers. The lowest tier comprises the module support frame (MSF) that forms the interface between the topsides modules and the jacket/sub-structure of the platform. The facilities that make up the second tier include the wellheads, production and export facilities, accommodation and utilities.
The third tier constitutes the rig-skidding module and derrick, injection compressor, drilling modules, generators and switchgear, accommodation, storage facilities and a helideck atop the accommodation modules.
Brae Bravo platform decommissioning details
The Brae Bravo platform decommissioning is being executed in three phases with the final decommissioning works expected to be completed in 2022.
The decommissioning programme for the Brae Bravo platform will use two of the world’s largest semi-submersible crane vessels (SSCVs), Thialf and Sleipnir.
The first decommissioning campaign, which commenced in April 2021, involved Thialf and Sleipnir which are working simultaneously in the Brae field to prepare and remove the flare tower, bridge, and jacket. The Thialf semi-submersible crane vessel is currently completing the preparatory works and module separation for a final removal that will happen during Summer 2021.
The second campaign will involve the Sleipnir vessel removing the remaining topsides which will be completed in two trips to the field during Summer 2021. The only remaining component of the platform at the end of the second trip will be the top of the jacket above sea level.
The remaining structure will be fitted with a dedicated navigational aid and a 500m safety area will be maintained until the completion of the jacket decommissioning programme in 2022. The waste generated from the decommissioning process will be transported to demolition contractor AF Environmental Base’s facility in Vats, Norway, for further processing and recycling with an estimated reuse or recycling target of 95%.
Contractors involved
A consortium of Heerema and AF Offshore Decom was awarded the contract to implement the decommissioning project in September 2018.
Heerema owns and operates the Thialf and Sleipnir semi-submersible crane vessels.


In an era of “interesting times,” it’s clear that pursuit of the status quo in risk management is looking less and less likely to hold.
Augmented with viewpoints and insights from industry experts, the State of Risk Report aims to review the broader lessons learned from world events and examine how organizations are situated to face evolving risks.
In this report, readers will get:
A detailed breakdown on how risk management peers are prioritizing and progressing on topics including ESG, supply chain, and DE&I;
An in-depth look at 2021’s significant events and why they’re signaling toward a greater need for an integrated approach to risk management;
Lessons learned from 2021’s major events and how they should be influencing your risk management practices in 2022 and beyond; and much more!
Fill out the form to access the report. We’ll send a copy to your inbox!


CHANGING A BULB
If the lighting has just been switched off, give the bulbs time to cool. Handling them when hot may cause personal injury.
Always replace bulbs with the correct type and specification. If in any doubt, contact a retailer/authorized repairer for advice.
Before attempting to replace a bulb, make sure both the affected light and the vehicle’s ignition are switched off. If the circuit remains live, a short circuit can occur which may damage the vehicle’s electrical system.
Not all bulbs are replaceable. The following bulbs can be replaced:
Lamp Specification Power (Watts) Halogen headlight (high beam) H7 LL 55 Halogen headlight (DRL/dipped beam) H11 55 Front turn signals 7444NA 24.98 Rear turn signals PY21W 21 Reverse lights W16W 16
All other exterior lights and some interior lights are either LED or xenon units and can only be replaced by a retailer/authorized repairer.
All replacement procedures require the removal of components to gain access to the bulbs.
Moving a headlight unit should be undertaken only by a qualified technician. If in doubt, consult a retailer/authorized repairer.
To change any bulb in a headlight unit, a cross head screwdriver and a 10 mm spanner or wrench is required.


Filters Main page content
This advisory discusses the role of peer support workers and models of peer support services that are available to assist individuals who are experiencing a crisis. Peer support services are a vital component of crisis care.View Resource
This guide supports health care providers, systems, and communities seeking to prevent marijuana use by pregnant women. It describes relevant research findings, examines emerging and best practices, identifies knowledge gaps and implementation challenges, and offers useful resources.View Resource
This report identifies ten specific areas, or guiding principles, that will assist states and federal policy makers in defining and understanding what comprises safe, effective, and legal recovery housing. National organizations have contributed significant and valuable work in developing policies, practices, and guidance to improve recovery housing as an integral model of care.Download the PDF (878.1 KB)
This handbook provides guidance on using the web-based, multimedia tool Decisions in Recovery: Medications for Opioid Addiction.View Resource
This toolkit offers strategies to health care providers, communities, and local governments for developing practices and policies to help prevent opioid-related overdoses and deaths.View Resource
This fact sheet developed by CDC’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) helps employers understand the risk of opioid overdose and allows them to decide if they should establish a workplace naloxone availability and use program.View Resource
This Harm Reduction Coalition (HRC) manual outlines the process of developing an Overdose Prevention and Education Program, with or without a take-home naloxone component. Such a program may be integrated into existing services for people affected by substance abuse, including shelter and supportive housing agencies, treatment programs, parent and student groups, and communities at-large.View Resource
The ASAM Clinical Practice Guideline on Alcohol Withdrawal Management is intended to aid clinicians in their clinical decision-making and management of patients experiencing alcohol withdrawal syndrome.View Resource
This pocket guide was produced by the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) and the National Association of Drug Court Professionals (NADCP) guide.View Resource


The Supreme Court in the case Commissioner of GST And Central Excise Chennai v. M/s. Komatsu India Pvt. Ltd observed and has issued in a plea to consider the limited issue that whether a salary paid on secondment of employees is a taxable service under Section 65(105) (k) of the Finance Act, 1994.
The bench comprising of Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice JK Maheshwari observed and has directed the Registry to list and tag the plea with another petition titled Commissioner of Service Tax, Delhi-IV v. M/s. Nortel Networks India Pvt. Ltd., which raises the same issue and the adjudication is pending. In the present petition, M/s. Komatsu India Pvt. Ltd, the respondent is engaged in manufacturing of Dump Trucks and are a wholly owned subsidiary of Komatsu Asia Pacific Limited (KAP). It stated the respondents have not paid service tax on various services received from abroad, in terms of Section 66A of the Finance Act, 1994. However, a show cause notice was issued to it for demand of service tax under the categories of ‘Manpower Recruitment or Supply Agency Service’, ‘Online Information and Database Access and the Retrieval Service’, ‘the Consulting Engineering Service’ and ‘the Maintenance and Repair Services’ and upon confirmation of the demand of the original authority imposed penalties. It was observed that before the Customs Excise And Service Tax Appellate Tribunal, Chennai (CESTAT), Komatsu India Pvt. Ltd. did not contest the demand on Online Information Database Access and Retrieval Service and Consulting Engineer Services, but has challenged the penalties imposed under Section 78 of the Finance Act, 1994. The CESTAT upheld the demand under the said categories. While considering that the Komatsu had paid service tax and was eligible for credit and the penalties in this regard were set aside. The court observed with respect to the demand of service tax on ‘Manpower Recruitment or Supply Agency Service, it was observed by the CESTAT that the agreement executed between the respondent and its parent company (KAP) is for secondment of the service engineers from the foreign companies. The employees from KAP were deputed to work in the factory of the respondent for after-sales and other related work. As per the CESTAT, once an employee is deputed to the respondent it would enter into individual contracts for employment with each employee. It was noted that there was no payment of consideration towards rendering of Manpower Recruitment or Supply Agency Service. Thus, citing Nortel Network (I) Pvt. Ltd. v. CST Delhi, it was stated by CESTAT that the secondment of employees from abroad for serving in India does not constitute rendering of ‘Recruitment Service or Manpower Supply’. It held that the payment made to the foreign company which had been subjected to service tax under ‘ Supply Agency or Manpower Recruitment’ is not sustainable. Further, it was held and stated that the concerned services would be classifiable under “Business Auxiliary Service’ and not ‘Maintenance and Repair Services’. It was observed by the CESTAT that being ‘Business Auxiliary service’ it would qualify as ‘Export Service’ according to Rule 3(1)(ii) of Export of Service Rules, 2005, as the service recipient is situated outside India. The demand was set aside, while considering that the services are exempted and is not taxable in India. However, it is pertinent to note that in a judgment dated 19.05.2022, the bench comprising of Justice U.U. Lalit, Justice S. Ravindra Bhat and Justice P.S. Narasimha observed and has held that when overseas group companies providing skilled employees, on secondment basis, to its Indian counterparts amounts to supply of manpower services and the Indian company would be considered as service recipient.


Improving the Adversarial Robustness of NLP Models by Information Bottleneck Cenyuan Zhang, Xiang Zhou, Yixin Wan, Xiaoqing Zheng, Kai-Wei Chang, and Cho-Jui Hsieh, in ACL-Finding, 2022. Abstract
Existing studies have demonstrated that adversarial examples can be directly attributed to the presence of non-robust features, which are highly predictive, but can be easily manipulated by adversaries to fool NLP models. In this study, we explore the feasibility of capturing task-specific robust features, while eliminating the non-robust ones by using the information bottleneck theory. Through extensive experiments, we show that the models trained with our information bottleneck-based method are able to achieve a significant improvement in robust accuracy, exceeding performances of all the previously reported defense methods while suffering almost no performance drop in clean accuracy on SST-2, AGNEWS and IMDB datasets.
Bib Entry @inproceedings{zhang2022improving, title = {Improving the Adversarial Robustness of NLP Models by Information Bottleneck}, author = {Zhang, Cenyuan and Zhou, Xiang and Wan, Yixin and Zheng, Xiaoqing and Chang, Kai-Wei and Hsieh, Cho-Jui}, booktitle = {ACL-Finding}, year = {2022} }


Officials and residents of the Municipality of Itogon support the BLISTT agenda. They however lament the slow progress in implementing the agenda which was conceptualized twenty years ago.
This was the general sentiment expressed during the BLISTT local consultation conducted on March 19, 2014 at the Alejo Pacalso Gymasium of Itogon, Benguet. Initiated by the Municipality of Itogon led by Mayor Victorio Palangdan, the consultation was attended by Itogon’s municipal and barangay officials and NGO and CSO representatives. Also present were Sablan Mayor Arthur Baldo, Tuba Mayor Florencio Bentrez, Tublay Mayor Ruben Paoad, and NEDA Regional Director Milagros Rimando.
Recent discussions on the BLISTT reveal that among the challenges that slowed down the progress of past BLISTT initiatives are: (1) lack of funds (that would have implemented the 1994 BLIST Urban Plan), (2) need for an effective governance mechanism that is acceptable to the BLISTT stakeholders; and (3) the lack of a BLISTT champion to shepherd the agenda beyond the tenure of the local chief executives.
The BLISTT agenda was revitalized in 2012, with the RDC-CAR adopting it as a banner project. This time, the political support of the LGU officials as manifested in the signing of the 2014 BLISTT Memorandum of Agreement holds promise for better implementation.
The conduct of the BLISTT local consultations is part of the BLISTT Council’s plan to inform and get the BLISTT communities views on the BLISTT agenda. Sablan is next to conduct its local consultation in March 25, followed by Baguio in March 26, Tuba in April 4, 2014 and Tublay in April 8. La Trinidad is yet to finalize its local consultation date.
by Freda Toyoken, NEDA-CAR


Hi Dr. Collison,
Should my two-year-old wear a mask when we go out in public?
As a precaution against the spread COVID-19, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends people wear face cloth coverings when they need to be out in public. However, there are certain exceptions to the recommendation when it comes to children:
Children under the age of two should not wear a face cloth covering. Children should not wear a face cloth covering if it poses a choking or strangulation hazard. If your child is considered high-risk or is severely immunocompromised, they are encouraged to wear an N95 mask. Other precautions may be needed for children who have severe cognitive or respiratory issues.
Face cloth coverings should fit securely over the nose and mouth and should be worn if you take your child out in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain, such as shopping at essential businesses like grocery stores or at doctor appointments. Children should wash their hands before and after putting coverings on and off and the covering should be washed after each use. Instructions for making your own cloth masks can be found online at cdc.gov and health.pa.gov
If your child is scared to wear a face cloth covering, consider the following tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics:
Look in the mirror with the face coverings on and talk about it. Put a cloth face covering on a favorite stuffed animal. Decorate them so they're more personalized and fun. Show your child pictures of other children wearing them. Draw one on their favorite book character. Practice wearing the face covering at home to help your child get used to it.
Mount Nittany Health is committed to the health, safety and wellbeing of its patients, staff and community. We are prepared for potential infectious disease outbreaks, whether its measles, flu or new viruses like coronavirus as part of our commitment to prevent disease and ensure a healthy community for all. We rigorously follow the guidance from the CDC and Pennsylvania Department of Health for screening and testing of patients for COVID-19; ensuring all levels of protection for our patients, staff and community.
As the situation continues to evolve, we have taken steps to prepare and protect our community, including a dedicated COVID-19 wing, limiting visitors in our facilities at Mount Nittany Health, except for special circumstances, screenings, test collection sites, masking requirements, and rescheduling elective and non-essential services. We continue to evaluate and will announce further measures as needed with the focus on our community’s health and wellbeing.
Please visit mountnittany.org/coronavirus for more information.


Posted on 24 January 2022
The recently released year 2 phonics autumn 2021 outcomes for all Derbyshire children and disadvantaged (provisional) has exceeded national averages. This significant milestone reverses a previous trend of performance below national benchmarks.
We wish to continue to support all schools and are requesting phonics year 1 summer predictions in your plenary feedback at forthcoming locality meetings from Tuesday 8 February 2022 so that we can proactively identify and offer support to schools.
Phonics remains a high priority for Derbyshire children as illustrated by the phonics school support programme launched in October 2021. Derbyshire Local Authority is working in collaboration with key partners, Derbyshire Teaching School Hubs, English Hubs, Research Schools Network and Learners First, to deliver a programme of support for those schools facing the most significant barriers to ensuring that every child becomes a reader. For further details of this support programme please contact Belinda Smith, email: Belinda.Smith@derbyshire.gov.uk.


Self-contained economy for distributed deep learning applications. It allows anyone and everyone to become a shareholder of AI services.
Infrastructure-as-a-Service closed-loop market for distributed applications. It allows trustless collaboration between stakeholders for development and operation of parallel-processing-oriented digital services. The project mission is to provide economic stability in the age of automation, by allowing anyone and everyone to become a shareholder of AI services. This is a technical and logical framework for developing, deploying and maintaining digital and hybrid (digital+quantum) services using self-enforcing agreements between stakeholders. Main pain points/needs: ● The training of commercially-relevant AI solutions require allocation of vast amounts of computing power, making it difficult for independent developers to compete with Big Tech. This is why more than half of the TensorFlow models posted on Github are untrained. As an example, Open AI’s GPT-3 would cost an estimated $12.6M, to train using AWS infrastructure. ● Startups operating in centralized markets are leaking resources through the legal and administrative tasks associated with forming the team, selling the solution and managing the earnings. ● Lack of general awareness regarding leading-edge AI capabilities exposes humanity to potentially dangerous predicaments. The most competent AI models are currently developed and used by centralized entities with minimal or even zero transparency.
How it's made
The operating model enables TensorFlow developers to access parallel computing resources for free through a system of incentives. It also allows stakeholders to deploy their solutions and distribute the generated revenue according to the terms set in Smart Contracts in a fully-trustless manner. Our traction so far: * The distributed Solidity code is fully implemented and accounts for the entire economic system. * Proof of concept on the distributed training nodes consisting of: - retrieving project logic from github when the contract broadcasts the request to initiate training - distributed training process on multiple EC-2 machines, synched over TCP-IP - dynamic endpoint allocation for serving customers when the agent is fully trained - customer credit verification upon fulfilling request. * Cross-platform client that allows the following distributed actions: - create new ATN contract (this is the equivalent of a User entity on a centralized backend) - create and publish new project as developer (by linking github repository and setting up trustless distribution of revenue) - invest in project using Eth. - access utility function of trained agent both through client and with API calls. The relevant repositories: Economy (Solidity) : https://github.com/autonet-code/contracts Client application: https://github.com/autonet-code/app Mining node: https://github.com/autonet-code/node Demo/template project: https://github.com/autonet-code/demo-project Regarding the live demo at WWW.ATNCOIN.COM - The node is not yet integrated in the client. The node screen in the client is just a mock up. - Please switch to Rinkeby before connecting your Metamask. - Refresh the page after creating your first contract in the Assets section. - Should it request a password, please reach out to Eight Rice#1340 on Discord or join our server and ask for access https://discord.gg/BAYCZWfcs9Technologies used


Earthquake in Nepal: the one we had been waiting for but now what should I do?
Reflections and discussion on how academics can and do respond to disasters in geographical areas where they work. When the earthquake in Nepal occurred in April 2015, no one familiar with Nepal was surprised a big one had hit, but many of us with expertise in Nepal were probably not prepared to answer, “How can I best help?” Presenters from the UW will reflect on their reaction to and involvement with the earthquake relief and we invite others to share in a discussion.
Teri Allendorf, who was a Peace Corps volunteer in Nepal beginning in 1991 and has continued to return to work on biodiversity conservation, will host the discussion. Ken Croes, who conducted dissertation fieldwork in Nepal, will reflect on his involvement helping an NGO, Sarvodaya. Sweta Shrestha, a native of Nepal and public health expert, will reflect on her experiences during a trip to Nepal over the summer.
This lecture is co-sponsored by the Global Health Initiative.
Teri Allendorf, PhD, is a conservation biologist and Assistant Scientist in the UW Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology, and an Honorary Fellow with the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies. Ken Croes, PhD, is a cultural anthropologist and senior project director with the UW Survey Center with an extensive background in managing survey and qualitative research projects across a variety of subjects, including public health, health services, community pharmacy, and law. Sweta Shrestha, MPH, is the Education Programs Associate for the UW-Madison Global Health Institute, where she serves as an advisor and instructional specialist for both the graduate and undergraduate Certificates in Global Health and the associated field experiences.


What is A Land Contract, and is it A Good Idea in Ohio?
Buying real estate on an individual contract can be a difficult decision when all factors are not considered in a comprehensive manner before making the agreement final. There are indeed some advantages and disadvantages when entering into a land contract transaction, and sometimes there can be consideration loopholes for the seller that the buyer does not realize without legal evaluation and advice regarding the terms. Many states have specific laws pertaining to contracts that can also impact the agreement after it is signed. Ohio is just such a state, with a requirement that buyers are practically only "tenants" for the first five years or when 20% of the total amount has been paid. Details matter significantly in a land contract transaction.
Disadvantages
Aside from Ohio law that gives a distinct advantage to the seller during the initial stage of a land contract, there are also other disadvantages. One example of vulnerability is who pays for damages to the property before title ownership is transferred. Insurance maintenance could be a buyer responsibility, and calamities can happen. Another issue is property tax liability, which also is typically a responsibility for the purchaser as well. One of the conditions involving the first five years of payments is also that missing even one payment can result in immediate eviction if the seller takes the case before a judge. Sellers are not required to file a full foreclosure until after the first five years is completed or 20% of the property amount has been paid.
Advantages
One of the first advantages of purchasing a property on a land contract is that no credit rating is necessary. The only requirement is seller approval of the agreement. Another potential advantage is not having to make a significant down payment. While this is not always the case, those who do make a payment could possibly pay 20% as a down payment, effectively making the land contract a mortgage being provided by the seller. This can be a particularly effective arrangement for buyers who are financially solvent and will have no foreseeable problems meeting the payment schedule. Depending on how the contract is structured, some buyers make annual or quarterly balloon payments as opposed to a monthly payment. In addition, a significant down payment can also shorten the amount of time that an immediate eviction is not available for the seller in the event of failure to meet the payment schedule in a timely fashion.
Regardless of the conditions imposed in any land contract, it is essential to have the agreement prepared or analyzed by a real estate legal professional who can identify potential loopholes or limits in consideration for all involved parties. Sellers should always prepare a contract that gives them leverage in protecting their property, and buyers should be aware of all responsibilities outside meeting all payment obligations. A land contract is very similar to a mortgage in the respect that they typically take an extended period of time before a payoff is complete and knowing all obligations during that period is vital to successful contract completion.


ABSTRACT
Tandem structures with different subpixels are promising for perovskite-based multicolor electroluminescence (EL) devices in ultra-high-resolution full-color displays; however, realizing excellent luminance- and color-independent tunability considering the low brightness and stability of blue perovskite light-emitting diodes (PeLEDs) remains a challenge. Herein, a bright and stable blue gallium nitride (GaN) LED is utilized for vertical integration with a green MAPbBr
3PeLED, successfully achieving a Pe-GaN tandem LED with independently tunable luminance and color. The electronic and photonic co-excitation (EPCE) effect is found to suppress the radiative recombination and current injection of PeLEDs, leading to degraded luminance and current efficiency under direct current modulation. Accordingly, the pulse-width modulation is introduced to the tandem device with a negligible EPCE effect, and the average hybrid current efficiency is significantly improved by 139.5%, finally achieving a record tunable luminance (average tuning range of 16631 cd m −2at an arbitrary color from blue to green) for perovskite-based multi-color LEDs. The reported excellent independent tunability can be the starting point for perovskite-based multicolor EL devices, enabling the combination with matured semiconductor technologies to facilitate their commercialization in advanced display applications with ultra-high resolution.


Inter-sectoral collaboration is a critical element to consider when planning both the implementation and maintenance of team-based efforts. A framework for effective inter-sectoral collaboration involving the health care sector has identified six key conditions: necessity, opportunity, capacity, relationships, planned action, and sustained outcomes. A recent study by MAPS researchers investigated the collaboration between home care and disability services sectors in the context of supporting older adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) who are frail. It examined how the collaboration aligned with this framework. Structured interviews with individuals with IDD, families, and professionals in both sectors, revealed that all six conditions were touched upon by providers from both sectors, but individuals with IDD and their families did not discuss sustained outcomes. The study also identified the need for resources and tools to promote the framework conditions when undertaking collaborative ventures. Read more about the details of the study and additional findings here: https://bit.ly/inter-sectoral


A roof leak can cause significant damage to a homeowner’s property, including water stains, mold, and structural damage. While a small ceiling drip may seem innocuous, it can represent a sign of significant water ingress that can spread if left untreated. The best way to handle and prevent roof leaks is to understand how they happen in the first place. As such, we’ve put together a helpful list of possible causes:
1.
Damaged roof tiles
Although most slates and roof tiles are built for durability, they may not withstand the impact of strong winds, falling debris, or wild animals. While you may not notice a broken roof tile at first, you risk allowing water to enter the roof space and seep into wooden structures if you fail to address the damage. For this reason, it is worth checking your roof tiles for damage after stormy weather.
2.
Natural wear and tear
Many leaking roofs are simply old and in need of an update. Most roof tiles and slates last a few decades. However, factors such as high winds and extreme temperatures can significantly shorten the lifespan of your roof.
3.
Poorly installed roof windows
A poorly installed roof window or skylight can lead to leaks. Fortunately, this is a relatively simple problem to fix using silicone or resin sealant. It is worth noting, however, that a leaking skylight could also indicate that the flashing around the window is damaged, rather than the skylight itself.
4.
Poor roof maintenance
Failure to clean, inspect, and maintain your roof may lead to several issues, including dry caulking and tile cracks. To protect your roof, you should check your roof every few months and reseal any minor cracks. In doing so, you can prevent small issues from developing into major structural problems.
It is also a good idea to keep your guttering system clean and clog-free, as poorly functioning gutters can impact the structural integrity of your roof. When gutters clog, water may pool on your roof and cause weak spots. To clean your gutter, you’ll need to physically remove debris such as twigs and leaves using your hands or a scooping device.
5.
Broken roof vents
Roof vents are vital for providing ventilation to the home and preventing moisture from building up in your loft. However, these vents are vulnerable to cracks and leaks. If you notice dark spots appearing underneath your vent, it may be the cause of your leaking roof.
6.
Loft condensations
If you struggle to control moisture levels in your home, condensation may build up in your loft and cause significant water damage to your roof timbers. In the long term, this moisture may pose a severe risk to the structural integrity of the roof. If you notice musty odors, damp timbers, or mildew growth around your roof, you should address the problem by improving your ventilation or installing loft insulation.
The bottom line: Prevention and early intervention are key!
The best way to prevent costly roof repairs is to treat minor problems as soon as they arise. Remember to check your roof every few months and call in the experts to help fix any issues.


As part of efforts to promote climate adaptation and build the resilience of the vulnerable, especially the rural population, the Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP), with support from Oxfam GROW, sought to explore the potential and sustainability of using ethanol as clean cooking fuel in Ghana. ACEP examined customer behaviour toward ethanol-based fuels based on a pilot study on ethanol fuels and stoves in two peri-urban localities in Ghana – Ningo Prampram district and Akuapem North municipality.
The study results provide a favourable response to the use of ethanol alternatives for clean cooking and provide recommendations for improving the design, quality, accessibility, and affordability of the technologies. This study is the beginning of broader advocacy for local production and utilisation of ethanol-based fuels. ACEP and its partners believe that these approaches can advance agriculture, industrialisation, and promote livelihoods to enhance economic empowerment and reduce poverty.
Event Details:
Date: Wednesday, 14
th September, 2022
Time: 10:00 am GMT
Join us online Meeting ID – 257 598 1096 Zoom:
Passcode – ACEP2022
Africa Centre for Energy Policy Facebook:


Kim J. Ruhl Executive Summary:
As part of the escalating trade war, the Chinese government increased substantially the tariffs it levies on a range of products exported from the United States. Trade policy is applied at a national level—a good entering China from the United States is tariffed the same regardless of where it was produced within the United States. The United States, however, is geographically diverse and the effects of the Chinese tariffs fall unevenly on different parts of the country. In early 2018, the United States levied tariffs against solar panels, washing machines, steel and Aluminum—beginning the ongoing trade war.


Title:
The molecular mechanisms involved in lipid metabolism during low intensity exercise
An important molecular mechanism by which physical activity reduces cardiovascular risk is through regulation of plasma lipids. This study aimed to investigate whether low intensity exercise modulates monocytic lipid metabolism and the activity of the nuclear transcription factor Peroxisome Proliferators-Activated Receptor-γ (PPARγ). Furthermore, this study aimed to elucidate the molecular signalling mechanisms induced through PPARγ activation. Thirty-four sedentary adults, mean age 45.6 ± 11.1 years, participated in an eight week low intensity exercise programme consisting of walking 10,000 steps, three times a week. Compared to controls, there was a significant decrease in total cholesterol (pre-exercise: 5.73 1.39 mmol/L; post-exercise: 5.32 1.28 mmol/L) and a significant increase in high density lipoprotein (pre-exercise: 1.46 0.47 mmol/L; post-exercise: 1.56 0.50 mmol/L) after the exercise programme. There was also a significant increase in serum oxidised LDL (oxLDL) concentrations pre to post exercise (0 weeks: 554 107ng/ml; 4weeks: 698 134ng/ml; 8weeks: 588 145ng/ml). A significant increase in leukocyte mRNA expression for PPARγ (4 weeks: 1.8 0.9 fold; 8 weeks: 4.3 1.9 fold) was observed, which was reinforced by increased PPARγ DNA-binding activity post exercise (pre-exercise: 0.22 0.09 OD units; post-exercise: 1.13 0.29 OD units. A significant increase in gene expression was observed for the oxLDL scavenger receptor CD36 (4 weeks: 3.8 0.6 fold; 8 weeks: 2.7 0.5 fold). LXRα (8 weeks: 3.5 0.8 fold) and two LXRα regulated genes involved in RCT, namely ABCA1 and ABCG1 were significantly upregulated after eight weeks of exercise (8 weeks: ABCA1: 3.46 0.56 fold; ABCG1: 3.06 0.47 fold). The culmination of in-vitro evidence lead to the postulation of a two pathway molecular mechanism associated with oxLDL stimulation of CD36, via PPARγ in monocytic cells. A „short-term‟ pathway (<24 hours), upregulates PPARγ (2 fold) via a transient ERK1/2 and COX-2 dependent mechanism. Whereas a „long-term‟ pathway (>24 hours), involves the direct upregulation of PPARγ via ligands within oxLDL, which is ERK1/2 independent but still COX-2 dependent. Activation of PPARγ enables direct DNA-binding with CD36, facilitating the oxLDL to enter the cell, via CD36, exacerbating the effect and promoting the cellular clearance of oxLDL. However, between 24 and 72 hours the „short-term‟ pathway is required to upregulate PPARγ via COX-2 and hence induces upregulation of CD36. It is possible that over several weeks of low intensity exercise the more rapid molecular pathway can be supplemented by PPARγ ligands present within oxLDL, and hence directly stimulate PPARγ gene transcription. In conclusion this study proposes a novel molecular mechanism for low intensity exercise induced modulation of plasma lipids via cellular clearance of cholesterol that involves activation of the nuclear transcription factors PPARγ and LXRα.


Some gastrointestinal bacteria synthesize hydrogen (H(2)) by fermentation. Despite the presence of bactericidal factors in human saliva, a large number of bacteria also live in the oral cavity. It has never been shown that oral bacteria also produce H(2) or what role H(2) might play in the oral cavity. It was found that a significant amount of H(2) is synthesized in the oral cavity of healthy human subjects, and that its generation is enhanced by the presence of glucose but inhibited by either teeth brushing or sterilization with povidone iodine. These observations suggest the presence of H(2)-generating bacteria in the oral cavity. The screening of commensal bacteria in the oral cavity revealed that a variety of anaerobic bacteria generate H(2). Among them, Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) generated significantly large amounts of H(2) in the presence of glucose. Biochemical analysis revealed that various proteins in K. pneumoniae are carbonylated under standard culture conditions, and that oxidative stress induced by the presence of Fe(++) and H(2)O(2) increases the number of carbonylated proteins, particularly when their hydrogenase activity is inhibited by KCN. Inhibition of H(2) generation markedly suppresses the growth of K. pneumoniae. These observations suggest that H(2) generation and/or the reduction of oxidative stress is important for the survival and growth of K. pneumoniae in the oral cavity.


Author Nakaya M, Watari K, Tajima M, Nakaya T, Matsuda S, Ohara H, Nishihara H, Yamaguchi H, Hashimoto A, Nishida M, Nagasaka A, Horii Y, Ono H, Iribe G, Inoue R, Tsuda M, Inoue K, Tanaka A, Kuroda M, Nagata S, Kurose H. Abstract Myocardial infarction (MI) results in the generation of dead cells in the infarcted area. These cells are swiftly removed by phagocytes to minimize inflammation and limit expansion of the damaged area. However, the types of cells and molecules responsible for the engulfment of dead cells in the infarcted area remain largely unknown. In this study, we demonstrated that cardiac myofibroblasts, which execute tissue fibrosis by producing extracellular matrix proteins, efficiently engulf dead cells. Furthermore, we identified a population of cardiac myofibroblasts that appears in the heart after MI in humans and mice. We found that these cardiac myofibroblasts secrete milk fat globule-epidermal growth factor 8 (MFG-E8), which promotes apoptotic engulfment, and determined that serum response factor is important for MFG-E8 production in myofibroblasts. Following MFG-E8-mediated engulfment of apoptotic cells, myofibroblasts acquired antiinflammatory properties. MFG-E8 deficiency in mice led to the accumulation of unengulfed dead cells after MI, resulting in exacerbated inflammatory responses and a substantial decrease in survival. Moreover, MFG-E8 administration into infarcted hearts restored cardiac function and morphology. MFG-E8-producing myofibroblasts mainly originated from resident cardiac fibroblasts and cells that underwent endothelial-mesenchymal transition in the heart. Together, our results reveal previously unrecognized roles of myofibroblasts in regulating apoptotic engulfment and a fundamental importance of these cells in recovery from MI.


The ABS controls the brakes so the wheels do not lock during hard braking or when braking on slippery surfaces. The system detects the rotation speed at each wheel and varies the brake fluid pressure to prevent each wheel from locking and sliding. By preventing each wheel fromlocking, the system helps the driver maintain steering control and helps to minimize swerving and spinning on slippery surfaces.
Using the system
Depress the brake pedal and hold it down. Depress the brake pedal with firm steady pressure, but do not pump the brakes. The Anti-lock Braking System will operate to prevent the wheels from locking up. Steer the vehicle to avoid obstacles.
WARNING Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so may result in increased stopping distances. Self-test feature
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) includes electronic sensors, electric pumps, hydraulic solenoids and a computer. The computer has a built-in diagnostic feature that tests the system each time you start the engine and move the vehicle at a low speed in forward or reverse. When the self-test occurs, you may hear a “clunk” noise and/or feel a pulsation in the brake pedal. This is normal and does not indicate a malfunction. If the computer senses a malfunction, it switches the ABS off and illuminates the ABS warning light on the instrument panel. The brake system then operates normally, but without anti-lock assistance.
If the ABS warning light illuminates during the self-test or while driving, have the vehicle checked. It is recommended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.
Normal operation
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) operates at speeds above 3 - 6 mph (5 - 10 km/h). The speed varies according to road conditions.
When the ABS senses that one or more wheels are close to locking up, the actuator rapidly applies and releases hydraulic pressure. This action is similar to pumping the brakes very quickly. You may feel a pulsation in the brake pedal and hear a noise from under the hood or feel a vibration fromthe actuator when it is operating. This is normal and indicates that the ABS is operating properly. However, the pulsation may indicate that road conditions are hazardous and extra care is required while driving.
Your vehicle seats can be adjusted manually. For additional information about adjusting the seats, refer to the steps outlined in this section.
Forward and backward


Xwayólem
"It was shared with me from my mother and my grandmother, and other Elders… [that] everybody has a purpose in the family, in the community – everybody has their gift to contribute. Some are carvers, some are weavers, some are fishermen, hunters. …if we all had the same gifts we wouldn’t have to rely on one another. But, with everybody having a different gift, we need each other to be able to live as a community, as a family."
– Xótxwes qas kayse’me
Often, individuals, usually children, are drawn to, and exhibit special skills in creating certain creative works. Once recognised, these gifts are encouraged and nurtured. Elders, Knowledge Keepers, family members, and other creatives act as teachers
to strengthen the skills that individuals have. This traditional knowledge is taught within families and passed between individuals, who have themselves attained this knowledge through years of training, mentorship, and experience. In addition to practical skills, such as how to physically carve or weave, students are taught how to maintain the spiritual relationships that accompany these skills. Individuals are born with these creative gifts and have a responsibility to care for them.
"…back in the day, the grandchildren were given to the grandparents to raise. ... the Elders were the ones that would see the gift that each child had. [they] honed it and brought it out …. Gave [the child] the tools to pursue them on their trail with their gift."
– E’yies’lek


As the crypto community grows, issues within the crypto community become more complex. Regulatory, political and social issues often get in the way of crypto adoption, slowing it advancements within the space.
In response to these issues, crypto exchange Binance has formed a task force called the Global Advisory Board (GAB). The board consists of individuals expected to tackle any issues that may arise as the exchange continues its initiatives to advance crypto, blockchain and Web3 adoption.
The group will be led by a former United States senator, Max Baucus. Members include various figures like Ibukun Awosika, HyungRin Bang, Bruno Bezard, Leslie Maasdorp, Henrique de Campos Meirelles, Adalberto Palma, David Plouffe, Christin Schäfer, Lord Vaizey and David Wright.
In a press release, Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao said that from the inception of the exchange, it faced issues that "no one even knew existed." Zhao believes that the formation of GAB is a step toward advancing the firm's mission. He said:
"We always put our users first, and that's served as a very effective North Star for us over the past five years of unprecedented, exciting growth."
Meanwhile, Baucus expressed his excitement about the potential of crypto, blockchain and Web3. According to Baucus, they are aiming to solve complex problems and deliver socially positive outcomes.
In the recent Australian Crypto Convention, Eowyn Chen, the CEO of Trust Wallet identified barriers standing in the way of broader crypto adoption. According to Chen, these are ease of use, security, privacy and identity.
Meanwhile, Binance's native blockchain, BNB Chain recently launched a community-run initiative that focuses on protecting users against scams and exploits. Dubbed AvengerDAO, the security-focused decentralized autonomous organization (DAO) was created to add an additional layer of security to the blockchain.


Antarctic sea stars can occupy different trophic niches and display different trophic levels, but, while the impacts of their body size and environmental features on their trophic niches are potentially important, they are presently understudied. Here we assessed the trophic ecology in relation to the size and habitat of sea stars in a fjord on King George Island (South Shetland Islands) using stable isotope values of carbon (δ13C), nitrogen (δ15N), and sulphur (δ34S). The disc radius influenced δ13C and δ15N values, whereas more limited changes in δ13C or δ34S values were related to arm length. Specifically, δ13C and δ15N values were linked to disc radius in generalist species (Diplasterias brandti and Odontaster validus), which could indicate ontogenetic diet shifts, while this relationship occurred less frequently in more specialised species (Bathybiaster loripes, Notasterias bongraini, and Perknaster sladeni). O. validus had a smaller isotopic niche size in the inner than the outer fjord. The niche overlap between D. brandti and O. validus was low in the inner fjord. Low resource availability within the fjord, linked to higher turbidity, could induce trophic niche constriction and interspecific resource segregation. This could represent a mechanism for competition avoidance in a resource-limited system. Conversely, higher resource availability could allow O. validus to expand and share its isotopic niche with D. brandti in the outer fjord with a limited risk of competition. This trophic plasticity will likely influence how O. validus copes with the present and future modification of environmental conditions induced by climate change.


This Brief Report addresses the fundamental role that sign language plays in the mathematics classroom of deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHH) students. Selected findings are gathered from an ongoing study of signs and gestures used by DHH students and their teachers when encountering and communicating mathematical ideas at a German special-needs school that focuses on hearing and communication. The focus rests primarily on iconic aspects of mathematical ideas as reflected in the gestural–somatic modality of sign language. A categorization of iconicity in mathematical signs as used by the students is presented and used to reconstruct a case of meaning making in a Grade 5 geometry classroom. Insights gained from these observations lead beyond the DHH mathematics classroom by providing new perspectives on the interplay between language and communication, individual experience, and shared conceptualization.
Contributor Notes
Christina M. Krause, Faculty of Mathematics, University of Duisburg-Essen, Thea-Leymann-Straße 9, 45127 Essen, Germany; christina.krause@uni-due.de


Each year University of New England AHEC CUP Scholars compete in a case competition where they are tasked with identifying solutions to a complex health scenario. The Scholars compete in interprofessional teams composed of various health professionals including medical, dental medicine, dental hygiene, pharmacy, physical therapy, physician assistant, nursing, social work, public health, and occupational therapy students.
This year’s case was co-written by Courtney Vannah (MCD Global Health) and Holly DeYoung, former CEO of Eastport Health Care. The case articulates the many challenges that a family of a young Mid-Coast Maine girl experience while attempting to navigate the oral health system. Educational support is provided to the teams (11 of them, composed of 4 students per team) in the form of various supplemental presentations aimed at developing the knowledge base required to tackle this case. Supplemental presentations were provided to this year’s AHEC CUP Scholars by Courtney Vannah, as well as Dr. Kailee Williams (Waterville Community Dental).
The case competition wraps up in November with all 11 teams presenting their analysis of the case and proposed solutions for a panel of judges. A public presentation session by the three finalist teams will take place on Zoom on November 16th from 6–8pm. This session will be of great interest to many stakeholders in our Network!


Tag: agriculture
Why have some Indian GI-tagged crops found international popularity, while others face competitive prices and the threat of reducing biodiversity?
Between 1992 to 2015, heat waves caused between 400 to 3000 deaths per year. However, these death numbers are gravely underreported, something which has caught the eye of the government too. Why are heat-related illnesses and deaths under-reported, and what impact does this data gap have on preparing for this extreme weather event?
What transformed the humble millet into an exotic grain?
As the Delhi Government pushes the Pusa decomposer as a successful alternative to stubble burning, New Delhi's farmers highlight its hits and misses.
The earnings from the land Dangi women own do not reach them: these benefits are monopolised by the men in their families.
Vermicompost revived soil quality, reduced input costs, and made farmers self-sufficient through lockdowns.
In the absence of the implementation of land consolidation laws, at lease 40 of Delhi's lal dora villages could face evictions for 'encroachment'.
As technical as the science may be, its accuracy—or the lack thereof—directly impacts Indians, many of whom take important livelihood decisions based on this data.
A solution to malnutrition in India lies in utilizing tribal communities' indigenous food systems within cross-sectional nutrition programmes.
This is the final article of a three-part series on sustainable consumption and food security in India, supported by Pristine Organics. Click here to...


One of the world’s largest processors of beef and pork JBS USA has been hit by a ‘cybersecurity attack’.
Since then, the global meat giant has been facing disruptions including shutting down meatpacking facilities and experiencing problems with supply, according to multiple reports.
However, governments banded together to resolve production, after the discovery the attack was allegedly performed by a Russian criminal organization.
The company announced it was the target of an ‘organized cybersecurity attack’ last week. As a result, IT systems in the US and Australia were affected.
Another branch, JBS São Paulo also revealed the attack was part of a ransom demand.
In a recent press release, JBS warned its customers and suppliers may experience delays. However, it said at this stage they are not aware of any evidence that customer data had been ‘compromised’.
According to reports, the damage is extensive, Cattle slaughter at all US plants was halted, fearing that meat prices could rise if JBS cannot resolve the issue quickly, Reuters claimed. Thousands of abattoir and meatpacking workers stood down.
A couple of days later, JBS USA announced production was expected to resume this week following a ‘rapid recovery’.
“JBS USA and Pilgrim’s continue to make significant progress in restoring our IT systems and returning to business as usual. Today, the vast majority of our facilities resumed operations as we forecast yesterday, including all of our pork, poultry, and prepared foods facilities around the world and the majority of our beef facilities in the US and Australia.”Andrew Nogueira, JBS USA CEO
Global operations are anticipated to resume at full capacity by Monday.
Additionally, JBS USA revealed it received support from governments across the globe to resolve the incident.
Despite allegations surrounding JBS’s involvement with illegal Amazon deforestation, the meat giant has launched various plant-based products such as the vegan meat range Ozo. It included burgers, a ground vegan beef alternative, and meatballs.
Additionally, JBS acquired Vivera is a staggering USD400 million deal. Part of the sale includes the development of three manufacturing units and a research center in The Netherlands.
Moreover, the deal is hoped to give JBS a ‘stronghold’ in the plant-based sector.


Jeffrey Wurst examines two standards of the UCC for collateral description. He explains why lenders must exercise caution when intending to lend against collateral that is represented not to be part of a prior lender’s collateral package.
Placing goods on consignment is a common occurrence in retail, but to perfect those goods, consignors are required to file with the UCC and give notice to other secured parties. Many consignors fail to follow this procedure and end up as unsecured creditors if the retailer files for Chapter 11. Stephen Selbst argues it is time to change the law.
People often assume that federal law takes precedence over state law, and, in many cases, it does. However, when it comes to perfecting securities under the UCC, federal law preserves the priorities established by states. Stephen Brodie and Tzvi Weisz examine the interplay between security interests under the UCC and federal tax liens.


Date: September 22, 2021
SPONSORED WEBINAR provided by
JM Eagle
Drinking water infrastructure earned a “D” grade for over a decade in the American Society of Civil Engineers’ Report Card for America’s Infrastructure, before increasing slightly to a C- in 2021. Despite this modest improvement, significant work remains, and decision-makers are especially focused on eliminating lead service pipelines, which can lead to serious illness and even death. Cautionary tales like Flint have helped governments prioritize fixing our water infrastructure, and cost-effective solutions exist to modernize our existing pipeline system.
One solution is installing pipe materials with a longer lifespan such as chemically inert plastic pipes that last for at least 100 years. Combining innovative engineering design, installation procedures and years of excellence in plastic pipe manufacturing, JM Eagle’s thermoplastic pipe offerings bring higher performance, lighter weight, and more cost-effective pipe solutions for all municipal applications. All JM Eagle plastic pipes are tested to meet or exceed standards set by AWWA, ASTM, ISO, NSF and many other internationally recognized standard-setting organizations.
Presenters: Gilbert A. Garcia II, Technical Manager Quality Assurance, Product Assurance, and Research & Development, JM Eagle Alex McKean, Sales Manager – Polyethylene, JM Eagle Marcus Min, Marketing Communications, JM Eagle


Deletion of Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II delta (CaMKIIδ) has been shown to protect against in vivo ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. It remains unclear which CaMKIIδ isoforms and downstream mechanisms are responsible for the salutary effects of CaMKIIδ gene deletion. In this study we sought to compare the roles of the CaMKIIδ(B) and CaMKIIδ(C) subtypes and the mechanisms by which they contribute to ex vivo I/R damage. WT, CaMKIIδKO, and mice expressing only CaMKIIδ(B) or δ(C) were subjected to ex vivo global ischemia for 25min followed by reperfusion. Infarct formation was assessed at 60min reperfusion by triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining. Deletion of CaMKIIδ conferred significant protection from ex vivo I/R. Re-expression of CaMKIIδ(C) in the CaMKIIδKO background reversed this effect and exacerbated myocardial damage and dysfunction following I/R, while re-expression of CaMKIIδ(B) was protective. Selective activation of CaMKIIδ(C) in response to I/R was evident in a subcellular fraction enriched for cytosolic/membrane proteins. Further studies demonstrated differential regulation of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) signaling and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) expression by CaMKIIδ(B) and CaMKIIδ(C). Selective activation of CaMKIIδ(C) was also observed and associated with NF-κB activation in neonatal rat ventricular myocytes (NRVMs) subjected to oxidative stress. Pharmacological inhibition of NF-κB or TNF-α significantly ameliorated infarct formation in WT mice and those that re-express CaMKIIδ(C), demonstrating distinct roles for CaMKIIδ subtypes in I/R and implicating acute activation of CaMKIIδ(C) and NF-κB in the pathogenesis of reperfusion injury.


Common defenses to copyright infringement include:
Fair use Abandonment Fraud Estoppel Laches Other equitable defenses First amendment Independent creation Misuse Implied license First-sale doctrine
Common remedies for copyright infringement include statutory damages, actual damages, injunction, seizure and attorney’s fees.
Attorney’s fees are a key consideration in copyright cases. Attorney’s fees are routinely awarded to prevailing parties in copyright cases, which is unusual in U.S. law. Attorney’s fees are also commonly awarded to a prevailing defendant, which is very unusual in U.S. law.


ISP Name Casair Max Average Speed 1000 mbps ISP Country USA
If you are exploring options to test the speed of your internet connection, we have got the right tool for you.
Irrespective of which broadband provider you use, you can use Speed Test Tool to test the internet speed. This tool weighs your internet on several metrics and provides you the impartial result for internet speed test performed over
Casair or any other broadband service provider. So, you would know whether or not your network service provider is worth it.
As already mentioned, the Casair speed test at checkmyspeed.info weighs some crucial factors in the broadband connection, including download test, jitter test, upload test, Wi-Fi speed test, latency test, and ping test. If the test results are far from satisfactory, you can either restart the router or implement troubleshooting methods to restore the broadband speed. If any of these doesn’t help to enhance your internet speed, reach out to the Casair customer service.
CheckMySpeed’s Casair internet Speed Test
Trusting your network service provider with a speed test would be a fault. More often than not, the network service providers eliminate some factors while testing the speed of internet. They use their testing tools and provide a result that may not contain the variable you wanted to test.
On the other hand, the Speed Test Tool by checkmyseed.info considers all the variables and test the internet speed of all the internet service providers, using the same criterion. Hence, provide you an impartial test result. You would know whether or not your internet connection is functioning optimally.
Casair internet service provider: Who is it?
Casair network service provider is counted among the top-notch names when it comes to internet service. This service provider promises an uninterrupted, high-speed, and reliable network connection to the users. The speed and performance of Casair allow you to download and upload data swiftly, play games, stream HD videos, or do any other such activity without interruption.
Casair internet plans do not work on one-size-fit-all concept. There is a specific plan for every kind of network user, from those who casually use the broadband to check their emails or surf on social media to users who use heavy-duty software for working, streaming series or movies, online gaming, designing, etc. It offers a secure, reliable, and fast {broadband|internet|network connection.
Similar Network Test Links: Casair speed test FAQs
Casair speed test is contingent to several real-world internet connections. The users can run the test themselves without having to reach out to expert IT professionals or technicians. The results put forth the networking problems caused due to errors at the user end, causing slow speed.
1. Why is there a difference between the upload and boot up speed of the internet?
People use the internet more for downloading than uploading. Hence, they always look for an network service that could offer them a better load speed. As a result, internet provider prioritizes boot up speed.
2. Which boot up speed it touted as ideal?
A load speed of around 5 to 10 Mbps per user is considered as a good boot up speed. However, it depends on the purpose the user uses broadband for. For instance, a user who uses the internet only for surfing on social media can do with a low speed, but the same speed might be slow for a user who wants to load software that uses large bandwidth. So, a good internet speed is subjective to the user.
3. Which upload speed is touted as ideal?
Although the internet service providers prioritize load speed, the internet connection that offers equal load and upload speed is ideal by all means. Upload speed between 1 to 100 Mbps is ideal.
4. At what speed can I enjoy a good internet surfing experience?
For internet surfing, the ideal speed is 4 to 6 Mbps. You can easily stream high-definition 720p videos at this speed. Also, it allows you to load videos in around 20 minutes.
5. Which tool should I use for testing Wi-Fi speed?
Generally, the broadband service providers (ISP) use their own speed test tools to test the speed of the network. However, third-party speed tests are more reliable and impartial. They show accurate network speed results.
6. Why does network get slow?
Slow internet could be due to several reasons. Streaming or downloading data that consistently uses bandwidth can slower the network. Run a speed test on your network connection and if its slow, restart the router.
7. Why computer and phones/tablets/iPads have different internet speed?
network speed tests measure the internet speed at a specific time frame. The variation in internet speed could be due to network congestion or available bandwidth.
8. I use Netflix, Skype, and play games on the internet- what should be the ideal speed I require?
The ideal speed for using Netflix, Skype, and online gaming is 25 Mbps. If you get this speed, you can enjoy these activities and other similar ones without any interruptions.
9. I play games on the internet. What should be the ping?
To demonstrate your best performance in the game, your broadband should have ideal latency or ping otherwise, your opponent might defeat you in the game. If it happens with you quite often, the latency is high. For winning, the latency should be 0-59 milliseconds. If you are in the game, it should be between 60 and 129 milliseconds. 130- 199 milliseconds and 200+ milliseconds when struggling and game over, respectively, are ideal.
10. Why should I take Casair speed test with you?
Every broadband service provider uses their own speed tests. They might omit the factor that is important to you, and hence, in a way, you get false results. Hence, using a third-party test is crucial to get impartial and reliable results.
By using broadband speed test tool, you know whether Casair is offering you ideal speed or not. The speed test is free of cost and demonstrates impartial results. So, you would know whether your connection provider is overcharging you or if it’s reliable.


Informative essays are more about facts than your opinions. As an informative essay writer, you have to find a way to explain things to readers without projecting your own opinions. Your main purpose in writing an informative essay should be to teach your readers something new about a particular topic. Here, your position as a writer is objective. Therefore, you have to remain unbiased while presenting factual details to your readers.
The goal is to inform the readers about a topic by offering important facts and information. Thus, you don’t have to worry about triggering a specific reader’s reaction or change. However, people often forget that opinions don’t make an informative essay, but facts and reasoning do. Informative essays are not opinion essays where you try to convince the reader to support one side over the other.
Now, you have an idea of what an informative essay shouldn’t be about; you may ask, “what is an informative essay?” Well, here’s what you need to know about it and its structure.
What Is an Informative Essay?
Informative essays, just like the name implies, seek to educate or explain a particular subject matter to a reader. As the writer of an informative essay, you either share new information, describe a process, explain the why and how, or clarify a concept. Your goal is to provide a thorough explanation on a particular after you must have gathered enough information. This essay is a form of academic paper written to inform the audience about a specific object, person, event, or phenomenon.
Informative writing must be concise and clear enough to properly inform your readers – remember; you want them to learn something new. They can’t learn from your essay if they don’t even understand it.
How to Structure an Informative Essay
Writing an informative essay isn’t hard; you just need to ensure your essay has a structure. Every informative essay must have a beginning, middle, and end. This will guide you on how best an informative essay should be structured.
An informative essay is structured into an Introduction, Body Paragraphs, and a Conclusion. Your essay should be written in just five paragraphs or more if the topic is complex. However, one thing you should never forget while writing is the essence of your topic. Remember to teach your audience based on your topic.
Now, let’s look into the structure of an informative essay:
Introduction
The introduction is an essential part of your essay and will go a long way to determine if your readers will continue with your essay. Thus, it should be interesting, powerful and also push your readers to want to know more. The introduction usually contains the “hook,” which should be a tempting and exciting part of the essay.
Here, you can define the topic, ask interesting questions, or provide short background information. The introduction is your chance to establish your thesis statement and catch the reader’s attention. But, don’t forget that your thesis statement should be one sentence long. Not only that, but it should also clearly indicate what the reader will learn. The introduction must convey precisely what the reader is about to learn without including your opinion.
Body Paragraphs
This is simply where you explore your topic of discussion. It contains the information or explanations you want to share with your readers. When writing this, you need to explain areas you must have outlined in your introduction. In informative writing, the body makes up the majority of the essay. As a result, it occupies several paragraphs. It is where you’ll go over the core topic in more detail.
Therefore, it should contain things like verifiable facts, figures, assertions, and other backup information. The number of details you provide in the body often depends on how lengthy the topic is. Thus, you may need to write 3 body paragraphs for an informative essay with five paragraphs. Each paragraph must contain distinct details to explore your topic better.
Conclusion
Your conclusion simply summarizes all you have written in your essay. It is your final attempt to make your readers understand all you have explained to them. The conclusion is often written in a sentence or two. Here, you must ensure you state the thesis phrase yet again.
In the conclusion, you need to restate what was taught about those topics in the essay. This is to make sure your readers understand what you must have written. The conclusion also encourages them to read more about the topic.
Finally, without providing facts or information, an informative essay is never complete. The only way to provide this information is by having an outline. Remember that the goal is to educate your readers and not confuse them. Without an outline, you may end up confusing not just yourself but also your reader.
Therefore, your essay must have an introduction, a middle, and a conclusion. However, an informative writing isn’t hard once you follow these steps.


Universal Design for Learning: Creating a Learning Environment that Challenges and Engages All Students Wrap Up
One of the primary objectives of UDL is to challenge and engage
all students. UDL stipulates that teachers present information in a variety of ways, allow students options for learning and demonstrating their knowledge, and incorporate practices that maximize student engagement. In this way, UDL enables students with a range of differences in their abilities to access the content and skills taught in the general education classroom. By using the three principles of representation, action and expression, and engagement when designing their lesson plans, teachers can reduce or eliminate barriers that may impede students’ learning or interfere with their ability to demonstrate their learning. Additionally, a teacher must know the intent of the learning goal for the lesson or unit. When this has been accomplished, he or she can allow students to access (i.e., instructional materials and methods) and demonstrate their learning (i.e., assessment) in multiple ways.
With your preferences or needs in mind, choose one of the formats below to access a summary of Universal Design for Learning as presented by David Rose and Grace Meo.
Revisiting Initial Thoughts
Think back to your initial responses to the following questions. After working through the resources in this module, do you agree with your Initial Thoughts? If not, what aspects of your answers would you change?
How can teachers at Sycamore Middle School meet the educational needs of all of their students?
To meet the needs of the widest range of students, what should teachers consider when planning their instruction?
When you are ready, proceed to the Assessment section.


The exon junction complex (EJC), a set of proteins deposited on mRNAs as a consequence of pre-mRNA splicing, is a key effector of downstream mRNA metabolism. We have identified eIF4AIII, a member of the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4A family of RNA helicases (also known as DExH/D box proteins), as a novel EJC core component. Crosslinking and antibody inhibition studies suggest that eIF4AIII constitutes at least part of the platform anchoring other EJC components to spliced mRNAs. A nucleocytoplasmic shuttling protein, eIF4AIII associates in vitro and in vivo with two other EJC core factors, Y14 and Magoh. In mammalian cells, eIF4AIII is essential for nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD). Finally, a model is proposed by which eIF4AIII represents a new functional class of DExH/D box proteins that act as RNA clamps or 'place holders' for the sequence-independent attachment of additional factors to RNAs.


Imiquimod 5% cream, an immune response modifier capable of inducing IFN-α, TNF-α, and interleukins 1, 6, and 8. It was approved for use in the management of genital and perianal warts and soon embraced as a method to diminish the recurrence of keloids postexcision. A previous meta-analysis included four studies. This meta-analysis is part of a larger systematic review project on the effect of moisturizers on scars. It was conducted following an a priori protocol and the guidance of the Joanna Briggs Institute. Databases searched included PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, and Web of Science. After screening and critical appraisal, subgroup meta-analysis on excision method and location of the keloid was conducted using the Miller approach for proportional meta-analysis and a random effects model. Seven studies, including 77 participants and 82 keloids were included. Meta-analysis revealed a recurrence rate of 39% (95% CI = 8.474.4%; I
2 = 87.5%) following application of Imiquimod postexcision. The use of primary excision or tangential excision did not alter the outcome. For analysis based on the location of the keloid scar, earlobe keloids had a recurrence rate of 5.4% (95% CI = 0-21.7%; I 2 = 52.9%). For keloids excised from other areas (predominantly on the trunk) recurrence rate was higher, at 76.8% (95% CI = 36.1-100%). For keloids, Imiquimod application postexcision results in highly variable recurrence rates. There is very low certainty in the effect of Imiquimod and it therefore is not recommended as a treatment option.
© 2019 by the Wound Healing Society.


Final surveying for streets
As a further part of this process, boundary markers that are no longer present or are no longer in the correct position as a result of the construction activities will be replaced.
Because street construction often involves the use of portions of adjacent land holdings, the developer (typically the city or municipality) conducts negotiations with the property holders regarding these areas and the appropriate compensation for the land that is used.
In this connection, remaining areas may be identified through the final surveying of the new transport installation. These parcels may be acquired by abutting owners after the construction work is completed. These remaining areas are also referred to as realignment areas.
At an on-site surveying meeting, owners of the involved land parcels have the chance to state their opinions regarding the course of the boundaries and the marking of new boundaries.
For final survey of new streets and roadways a publicly appointed surveyor is required. The fees for these surveying services are regulated by the VwKostO-MWEVL (administrative fee schedule).


The retail demand is recovering due to preference for personal vehicles over shared mobility and a rural recovery.
After a long period of coronavirus-induced lockdown, the automobile sector is bracing for a shift in gear. The release of June sales data points to a demand recovery, and carmakers, are set to gain speed.
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The retail demand is recovering due to preference for personal vehicles over shared mobility and a rural recovery. However, there are supply-side constraints, said a Motilal Oswal report, adding that OEMs are trying to catch up with the increasing demand.
Tractor sales are seeing growth on strong rural demand while commercial vehicles (CV) are the hardest hit due to slowing economic activities. Passenger vehicle (PV) volumes declined 48 percent, while two-wheeler (ex-Bajaj Auto) volumes were most resilient with a minimum decline of around 29 percent. CV volumes (for Q1FY21) plunged around 89 percent, YoY, brokerage Motilal Oswal said in the report.
Demand recovery in the two-wheeler segment was largely driven by a preference for personal vehicles over public transport and high disposable income in the rural market due to a good harvest.
PV sales declined around 48 percent, YoY, however, the segment witnessed recovery on the back of entry-level vehicles as a preference for personal mobility spurred pent-up demand. Retail sales were stronger than wholesales and were impacted by supply-side issues, the report said.
Meanwhile, CVs were the worst hit, with sales falling 89 percent YoY in Q1FY21 due to a decline in economic activities and BS4 pre-buying.
Medium & heavy commercial vehicle volumes plummeted 92 percent YoY while light commercial vehicle volumes plunged 87 percent YoY, the report noted
“While demand recovery has surprised everyone, sustenance remains a key monitorable. With multiple moving parts in the form of normalization of supply-side, consumer sentiment, availability of finance, and impact of BS6 cost inflation, demand normalization is the biggest monitorable,” Motilal Oswal said.
The valuations are reflecting recovery from H2FY20, leaving a limited margin of safety for any negative surprises, it added. Hence, the brokerage prefers companies with higher visibility in terms of demand recovery, a strong competitive positioning, margin drivers, and balance sheet strength.
The brokerage picks Mahindra & Mahindra and Eicher Motors among large-caps while Motherson Sumi among mid-caps.


Pizza is a great meal but making it can be challenging. Any small mistake you make when preparing the ingredients and cooking could make your pizza crust get too hard. This will make it distasteful and unenjoyable to eat. You ought to be cautious when making your pizza. Ensure you use the right measurements and place them at the right temperatures. You can do several things to ensure your pizza crust is perfect. This article will explore Things that make the pizza crust too hard and how to fix it.
Wrong Brand of flour and Incorrect Measuring When Kneading
You must ensure you choose the right brand and high-quality Wheat Flour if you want to make a good pizza with no complications. It’s crucial to note that the quality of the raw material you use for your pizza is crucial. Additionally, if you are kneading after putting your ingredients, pouring excess flour at the top can be tempting. This will only lead to dehydration, leading to the drying out of your pizza. When you have dry dough, it will be difficult for it to rise. To solve this, use a small amount of floor and top it up only when you have to. If the dough is sticky, you can try using a scraper to bring the dough together. When you are on the stretching face, you can use as much floor as you need since you only use it on the surface.
Baking Your Pizza for Too Long
When baking the pizza, you need to make the exterior of the pizza crust crips and the interior moist. To retain your crust in this state, you need to regulate your temperatures and avoid it from drying out. You need to ensure you maximize the temperature of your oven to make it cook faster. Moreso, you can consider options such as using the pizza stone or the steel.
Excess Kneading
One reason why your pizza crust is dry is doing too much kneading. Kneading helps to build up gluten which makes the dough smooth and elastic. Most online classes and books will tell you to knead for up to 20 minutes. The good news is don’t need to knead your pizza dough. Gluten can form on its own without kneading, and you can leave it for 10-20 minutes to form, then knead for 2-3 min. This will ensure the pizza crust is perfect and the kneading is smooth.
Putting a Small Amount of Water in the Dough
The amount of water you use in your dough can affect the outcome of your pizza crust. When you put a small amount on your dough, the water will evaporate, and your pizza will be dehydrated. When cooking our pizza, consider using wetter dough. This will help keep the crips wet and promote its rise. It’s important to note that wet dough will only make your cooking harder, especially when trying to shape it.
Bottom Line!
The above are tips to ensure your pizza crust is crispy. Ensure you use the correct measurement of flour. Additionally, measure your water correctly to avoid putting it too small, which will dry easily.